Father arrested over drugs outside son's prison

Corrections Department staff say it was a sad and ironic twist that a man taking money to his son in prison was himself arrested yesterday when drugs were found in his car.

The man was not allowed to enter the Auckland Central Remand Prison because he faced active criminal charges but a friend with him was to take the money into the prison.

Prisoners did not deal in cash, said the department, and money had to be taken to the prison to be deposited into a prisoner's trust account for small purchases such sweets from the canteen.

When the man's car was searched outside the prison, methamphetamine, ecstasy and cannabis were found and he was arrested. His friend was allowed to leave.

The man's son was being held in prison on drugs-related charges. A fortnight ago the man's daughter was also arrested when prison staff found drugs on her when she visited her brother. She was also arrested on drugs charges.

Both father and daughter had been banned from visiting the prison for a year.

The Department of Corrections said the arrest ironically highlighted the lack of support some prisoners faced when they went home after being released.

"The majority of the prisoners we manage have long histories of using and abusing drugs. Some also have family histories of drug abuse," said the department's assistant regional manager, Grace Smit.

"While they are in prison and away from these lifestyles, we work to eliminate their dependencies. It is then that we have a much better chance of reducing their risk of reoffending," she said.

She said when prisoners were released they often faced the temptations that probably led them to prison in the first place.

"Your parents, or the people who care about you should be there to help you turn your life around and help you get off drugs. Positive support from families increases a person's chance of successfully reintegrating into the community. This support isn't likely to exist if they are also drug users," said Ms Smit.

- NZPA